Stamp Of Greatness Series: Antonin Dvorak, Bohemian Composer; Stamp Of Greatness Series: Martin Luther

These two entries in the Stamp of Greatness series, a series of mini-docudramas which celebrate the lives of famous individuals who have graced stamps, are appealing additions to this quirky collection. Antonin Dvorak, Bohemian Composer is the weaker of the two--in that Dvorak faces no compelling adversary, hence limiting the dramatic effectiveness. Born in 1841, the Czechoslovakian composer initially helped his father run the family inn, before his music teacher helped convince the elder Dvorak that his son deserved better teaching. Off to Prague at the age of 16, Dvorak would eventually go on to create the melodic Slavonic Dances, and journey to America later in life (1892), where he would be inspired by folk and jazz music to write his masterwork New World Symphony. Music students, studying the lives of the great composers, would benefit most from this program. Martin Luther, on the other hand, irrevocably changed the world with his 95 theses tacked upon the church door which would usher in the Protestant Reformation. Handsomely produced, this program even goes so far as to have Luther speaking in his native German language, which is then subtitled. Opening with an excellent narrative hook--Luther on his way to his own execution--the film flashes back to Luther's childhood influences, his growing distaste for the papacy, his trial, and his escape and life of relative seclusion. An absorbing program. Antonin Dvorak, Bohemian Composer is recommended primarily for colleges with strong music history departments; Martin Luther is highly recommended for all types of libraries. (Available from: New Dimension Media, 85803 Lorane Hwy., Eugene, OR 97405.)